Manatees love drinking fresh water. We were spending part of winter in Florida at Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge when this huge manatee came right in to where the all the boats were tied up.

Out of the blue someone said it is thirsty and ran to get the hose. I couldn’t believe it. The Manatee took the hose right into it’s mouth and started to drink. I was totally blown away.
For almost an hour it stayed there sucking up fresh water. Unbelievable!!

Manatees can be found in the warm waters of shallow rivers, bays, estuaries and coastal waters. Rarely do individuals venture into waters that are below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Can’t say as I blame them in the least bit. Who on earth wants to be cold.
In cold weather, manatees must move to a spring, a place where warm water (72 degrees) comes up out of the ground and makes a river.

Sounds just like us Snow Birds. LOL

Manatees can live in salt water or fresh water, but if they are in salt water too long, they must find fresh water to drink.